Being a mountain biker is all about exploring the different things you can do on your bike. A mountain bike allows you to perform new tricks and ride terrains that would otherwise not be possible with a conventional bike.
But what makes performing these things possible on your mountain bike? They are fitted with a sophisticated suspension system, high-tread tires, and an excellent braking system that is easy to reach.
If you are wondering what things you can do on a mountain bike that would not be possible with the traditional bike, here are a few tricks you can start with.
The Cardigan
The cardigan trick is as old as time. The trick is easy to master, making even new riders seem like long-term expert mountain bike riders.
The trick is about getting your bike up without using your hands. It involves using your left foot to grasp your left side peddle and thrust your seat up, allowing you to raise your bike. It would be best if you gripped your handles to assert complete control over the bike.
The Wheelie
Since the mountain bike is fitted with varying gears, the wheelie trick is easy to master and even easier to nail using E mountain bikes.
The wheelie trick has been modified to create more sophisticated tricks, which include the 360 wheelie, the 180, and the wheelie drops that many riders are most inclined to when navigating downstairs.
However, having such a trick at your fingertips means getting the wheelie fully dialed. It is, however, not hard to master this trick, which requires you to lift the front wheel in the air while peddling your back wheel.
Before starting, you must ensure you are in the middle gears, the second and third gears, having lowered the saddle by half its original length. Lowering your chest to the handlebar while bending your arms to help lift the front wheel would be best.
Before you lift the wheel, however, start pedaling as hard as you can, pushing towards the front direction, and once the front wheel is up, keep your arms straight. Use your weight to keep the bike in the air as long as possible by keeping your body inclined to the back and simply staying relaxed.
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The Bunny Hop
This trick is handy for mountain bikers riding over logs, bumps, and roots. The best part is, you won’t get bored spending time by yourself riding in the forest as it’s entertaining.
The trick uses the power of your weight to ensure the bike lifts off the ground and lands safely. You must ensure that you are at medium to high speed to nail this trick.
To nail the trick, you must ensure a good grip on your pedals and handles and set yourself in a neutral position by shifting and directing your weight away from the front wheel.
This positioning is commonly known as a light spot and will allow you to get off the seat and bend your arms and knees. It would help if you pushed into the pedals and handlebars, which would charge up the front suspension and raise your front wheel.
Always lean forward and raise your legs, which allows you to thrust forward. Remember, however, not to push your breaks to ensure a soft landing,
A rider learning the bunny hop must practice it in a safe environment, such as a grass area, having objects such as bottles and twigs. It will ensure you do not harm yourself while making the jump.
The Stoppie
The stoppie is your go-to trick if you want to make a sophisticated stop to get your buds talking. It is also referred to as the Endo or Nose Wheelie. Although it looks easy, this trick requires weight balance control and breaks.
As you maintain a relatively medium pace, you must shift your weight to the bike’s front wheel to ensure balance as you break.
You will hit the front brakes intermittently, making sure your bike slows slightly before finally coming to a stop. Ensure you hold the brakes in time for the stop to ensure you are not suddenly thrust off it due to the speed.
You wouldn’t want your front teeth going missing! If you need more confidence handling your breaks this way, keep holding the breaks until you come to a stop.
The Track-Stand
The track stand should be handy if you want to learn about weight balance and control. This trick is quite easy to learn and will prove helpful while standing over the traffic lights or waiting for a race to start.
The trick to this trick is moving slightly to maintain balance and control while making sure your pedals are level, and your brakes are well-modulated. Most peddlers, however, go wrong by sitting on the saddles when practicing this trick which makes it all the more difficult to master.
The trick is relatively low risk and can be done in the house, which makes it one of the first tricks a new rider can quickly learn.
The Bar Rider
For sophisticated riders, the bar rider trick requires confidence to perform perfectly. Most people fear this trick due to the degree of control and strength it requires.
The trick is to keep your hands on the handlebars as you shift to different pedals. Once you do so, rest your body on the front bar as you shift to different sides of the handles.
You must ensure not to hit the brakes located at the handlebars. Your speed should be relatively slow as you do this trick to ensure maximum balance and control.
The Slide
Are you navigating a corner? Why don’t you do it in style? The slide trick terms you lock the rear wheel, slowly pull the rear wheel brake, and easily slide your way through. This trick is not hard to master and is sure to impress your mates.
Caution: You must ensure safety while performing these cool tricks by wearing a helmet and knee and elbow pads while performing these cool tricks.
Final Thoughts
Performing tricks on your mountain bike is one of the most fun things you can do with your mountain bike. They make mountain bike riding a fun experience, helping you improve your riding techniques.
Although tricks such as the wheelie, cardigan, and bunny hops are considered basic, they are integral components of much more sophisticated tricks.
